Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2015 Highlights

Photo by Storm Stewart

Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2015 had so much to offer, so much that a lot of the great acts were lost in the mishmash of updates but one thing was for sure there were great music acts such as; Lacroix Despheres, WING WORKS, TRy 1, Kuli Kala and the newest metal sensation Lady Baby.

Tabacco Dock being famed for having a large venue with endless rooms had a massive room dedicated to the Ai My Maid cafe where the maids and butlers served food and played games with people on the day. Before the cafe had officially opened they were greeted by a large queue of curious people who were new to the concept and left with a better knowledge of novelty cafes and with t shirts from their new range.

Being a visual kei fan it was refreshing to see Lacroix Despheres, preform (interview coming soon). After bumping into them on my way to the food stalls, I was amazed to see the transition from everyday to kitted out rocking their opera on stage.

Lacroix Despheres

One of my favourite random moments was walking into the hot dog eating contest and seeing a few of my friends on stage competing for the crown of sausage King (or Queen). Seeing the top three scores from three rounds being wittled down to three stop spaces which were 3rd 11, 2nd 12 and the winner eating a whooping 14 sausages, what a beat ! This was no other than one of my friends Arcadio (or Arcade as the host called him) and he was chuffed enough to get a free dinner than a prize on top which was a voucher for a free meal for two inn  a swanky restaurant in London. 

Arcadio ensuing sausage annihilation

Since I had consulted Hyper Japan to bring the newborn metal band to the UK as part to their tour, it was natural I went to the Ladybaby Uk Fanclub meet where I met up with fellow fans. There the founding members had made a birthday book for Rei. There was also a fan made banner which we all signed and and drew pictures on. One fan made birthday t-shirts for a limited number of members to wear and show their appreciation to Rei, sadly I missed out on the t-shirt but the fan gave me their single instead - I never have been so humbled by a kind gesture from a complete stranger. Thank you once again ! We also had one of the youngest members who later was lucky enough to go on stage and present Rei with a birthday rose - it was so adorable. Rei started crying from all the gifts the fanclub presented her. I stood proudly at the front with the other members cheering on the group. (More photos here)

Not everything went to plan at Hyper Japan like the fashion show which left poor fashionista Minori without a translator and poor organisation leading to models walking into each other on stage Let's see some of the good moments in this video including Sake Awards, fashion, stalls, performances and food.

Many thanks to Storm Stewart who Filmed and edited this.

To follow my adventures at conventions, and to read my anime/gaming reviews and see general cat photos follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

^_^ Aisha Anime

We are Perfume documentary at Rich Mix

Celebrating the band Perfume's 15th anniversary of group’s formation and 10th anniversary since making their major debut, they have released a new documentary.


The documentary "We are Perfume" portrays the group's present and links to their past and future.

Their popularity has sky rocketed in their later years with their recent album, LEVEL3, released in 2014 was distributed in 251 countries/regions and made it to number 1 on iTunes Electric Music Album category chart in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand, and also went to top 10 of the chart in 19 countries including the US and Canada.

Perfume achieves universal popularity due to their new wave techno-pop songs (different from most girl bands in the charts), sophisticated dances and live performances using the latest technologies

The documentary film follows their activities over a two months period while touring overseas. You will see footage from Perfume WORLD TOUR 3rd and SXSW 2015 during their 10th major debut and 15th formation anniversary year, 2014-2015. With over 500 hours of footage filmed across Asia, Europe and the US this film portrayed their music, live performances and behind-the-scenes which has never been shown before.

Witnessing the current Perfume as they are, you will understand their achievements since the group’s formation and their desire for the future.

We are perfume will be screened in the UK for one day only on 12th December at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green at 12.45.

In addition to this special one-day screening of documentary, Perfume’s official merchandise will be available to buy including: T-shirts, stickers and plastic folders.

The merchandise booth will be open from 12pm.

Buy tickets here.

http://www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/event/we-are-perfume-world-tour-3rd-document/

Directed by Taketoshi Sado

Songs by Yasutaka Nakata (Capsule)

Main Theme: Perfume, Star Train (Universal Music)

Film Partners: Amuse, Nikkatsu, Universal Muisc, Live Viewing Japan, NHK Enterprises

Planning & Released by Amuse, Nikkatsu

Production: NHK Enterprises

Distributed and Promoted by NIKKATSU (Japan), LIVE VIEWING JAPAN (Worldwide)

© 2015 "WE ARE Perfume" Film Partners.

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Hyper Japan Christmas Market 2015: Interview with Airly Momok/ Edo Anime

It was fantastic walking around Hyper Japan meeting so many like minded people. Amongst the VIP guests I helped out at a friends stall Japan Underground and a beautiful lady in a Cinderella dress approached me and handed me a leaflet. This was Airly Momoko a Japanese-French idol who came to Hyper Japan to help promote the Edo Anime stall.

For more information on the Edo Anime 1803 project please check out their website.

Watch our interview below:

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Models/Designers/Photographers/MUA's wanted for Harajuku Fashion show 2016

Photos from the last LAGC on http://www.darkangelphoto.net/

Hello all my creative friends ^_^

Once again we will be hosting a Fashion show celebrating Japanese fashion this coming February 2016. On Sat 6th Feb - because it is called the 'Harajuku Fashion Show' we are showcasing great creativity from fashionistas or fashion enthusiasts to put their twists on stage.

What we are looking for:

*Models - styling together there own Japanese Style including: Lolita/punk/gothic/visual kei/fairy kei/roccoco/creepy cute/hime/rave/sweet/classic/kimino/mori/prince/decora/gyaru/yomamba.


*Designers - to showcase their Japanese style or fusion rage of clothing/accessories.


*Makeup Artists/hairstylists - not afraid to try bold looks or soft and natural for mori styles


What you get out of this:


All Models, hair stylists, makeup artists, Designers, will receive a free entry ticket to the event on Saturday 6th Feb 2016. Since this is an event you will be able to walk around freely and watch other stage events, look at the merchandise, access the bar, watch movies, play games - including the after party.


Models: You will get at least two digital professional photos of you in your outfit for your portfolio and many cat walk photos and from backstage.
Hair stylists/Makeup artists: you get to practice your skills and also obtain photos for your portfolio
Designers: Showcase your pieces on a catwalk


If you are interested, please message me with the information listed below ^_^
Application Form:

Name:
Modelling name:
Gender:
Description of proposed outfits(s):
Photo of outfit or something similar.


Please message me on:
the anime league forum - @Aisha
email - doomed.prinny@gmail.com
twitter: @aisha_anime

Build a Bear to stock Pikachu?!

Starting in early 2016, The Pokemon Company and Build-A-Bear Workshop will be teaming up for a partnership bring you everyone's favourite electric rat!

Build-A-Bear Workshop have confirmed the following locations to stock Pikachu: the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia.

So far Polygon states you can decorate your Pikachu plush with a Poke Ball Hoodie, and includes a Pikachu sound chip.

After creating your Pikachu, you’ll be given a special promo TCG playing card as a gift. Also, those who order it online can obtain the limited edition Charizard costume!

UPDATE:

For more news on Japanese culture, anime, manga, cosplay, events and games follow me on Twitter and Facebook. Aisha Anime ^_^

Angel's Cave: White Lace Cat Beret

Photos by Caroline Mound Photography

Angel's Cave originally focused on dolly attire and accessories to complex wig threading and face plates since I met them at the Danny Choo Culture night ! When the team is not working on making adorable clothes for these smart dolls.they are now making gorgeous hair accessories for human heads now.

Charlotte and Danny Choo

Charlotte has constructed her own pattern for lace cat berets in a variety of colours to match your moggy and stand out in your hair. With moving limbs you can pose them to fit your head and they really look great with any outfit.

As a part time Lolita, I have been experimenting with colors and styles and I took a try at sweet Lolita - Pink isn't really my colour but it really worked with the beret. I have seen these type of hand made and stitched items crop up a lot recently and could be the next big trend in kawaii fashion.

At £5 per beret that's a real bargain and Charlotte can make them in a variety of colours too.

Buy them here.

Follow Angel's Cave for more dolls updates and new accessories on facebook and twitter and don't be shy to ask questions or make a commission.

For more adventures into anime, cosplay, gaming and events follow me on Facebook and twitter. 

^_^ Aisha Anime

London Harajuku Fashion Walk 2015

26th July 2015 marked the London Harajuku Walk 2015 in Marble arch. Despite the wind and rain a large group of Japanese Fashion enthusiasts congregated under the Marble arch. This included a variety of youtubers, bloggers, photographers and videographers to see what was going on. After a 30 minute wait to grab all fashionistas we began the walk.

Since it was raining our entourage decided to hit up the museums of Kensington which included the V&A, Science museum, and the British Museum. Enroute we found a delightful pop up cafe with shin y outer casings where all the ladies and gents delighted in stopping for selfies and group photos.

Resuming to South Kensington, due to the queues we went into the Science museum for a spot of lunch and wonder.Due to the large group. We decided to head to China Town and because of an event all the roads were closed so we walked the roads and enjoyed the music down Oxford Circus, where no one batted an eyelid as everyone else were dressed as Bees. We also got stopped by Barefoot Wine who got a group photo with us and offered us some free bubbly.

Upon entering China Town we visited the delightful Purikura booth which sadly was shut due to maintenance on the machines :-( But we then decided to check out the stalls before heading for some well needed dinner at Misatos  - an enjoyable day despite the miserable weather. Looking forward to the next meet - met so many new faces !

Find the rest of my photos here - http://on.fb.me/1Ipnaae

For more news on anime, cosplay, games and Japanese culture follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Aisha Anime ^_^

Easter Lolita meet in Geffrye Museum

All the ladies in a lineup in the Geffrye Museum Gardens

Since it was Easter it seemed apt to have a themed Lolita meet up - Sarah the host had planned the meet up at the lovely state house Geffrye Museum in the heart of London, Shorditch. Lolita's traveled from all over England from the meet including Oxford.

After a relaxed walk around the museum soaking in the Victorian reconstruction of rooms and paintings, everyone popped outside for a picnic lunch. Then A few of the Lolita's went to hide some Easter eggs for an Easter Egg hunt. There were three contests, one for the person who found the most eggs, second for the best Easter themed outfit and lastly best general outfit.

Sofia collected the most eggs at a whooping 25, second was Nat at 23 and since Sofia is Vegan she gave first prize (Easter Egg) to an extremely happy Nat. Best Easter theme outfit went to Sofia who again gave her egg to second place and last was best non theme outfit was a tie between Nat and Natalie so they got an Easter Egg each. We then took the time to get some great photos outside in the picturesque gardens including some martial arts skits.

Everything was rounded off with a quick bus ride to Spittle-fields market for a cream tea at Patisserie Valerie and a look around the market. A lot of people did look and a few asked for photos, it's nice when people come together for fashion. I spoke to Lotte who said it was great to be able to wear Lolita fashion and feel comfortable in a group. I highly recommend your local small meets to introduce yourselves and meet people for the same area and passion for fashion.

Find more photos here of the Easter Meet -http://on.fb.me/1ycErAV

For the latest news in gaming, cosplay, anime, fashion follow me on Twitter and Facebook ^_^

Aisha Anime

Happy Kawaii Easter ^_^

Me and my school chum Caroline got bored and took photos a while back and I decided to get an Easter themed shot and they turned out great, even though I don't suit the 'cute' fashion trend I made it work SOMEHOW! Check out her cosplay and wedding photos here.

Outfit Info:

Bunny Ears - Pixie Bunny Shop
Kanzashi (hair ornament) - Kikuya Kanzashi
Necklace/Ring - Di Depux

I also collaborated with Cherry Jenkins (who currently has no DA or FB page) and she used her plain line Pokemon drawings for a base to make an Easter design for me: Chancey cosplaying a Rabbit and me looking suspicious because like I said I don't do cute often and I loved the final outcome  - I only expected a line drawing she even coloured it in. So i thought I'd share the love and posted it to some important people in my life, followers and new friends.Snail Mail ftw ^_^

If you want to hear the latest gaming, anime, cosplay and convention news follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Mayamada's Back with Gamepad!

Date: Saturday 11th April 2015

Venue:
Petit Miracle Hub
West 12 Shopping Centre (Upstairs)
Shepherds Bush
W12 8PP London
United Kingdom

Show me the money: Free!

Tickets:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/gamepad-gaming-music-event-tickets-16090464011?aff=efbevent

Mayamada hosts latest GamePad event to follow up their highly successful Frozen Yogurt Party in 2013, read my review here.

Gamers, music lovers and everyone in between is invited to join mayamada for this one day party at the Petit Miracle Hub, West 12 Shopping Centre in Shepherd's Bush (Central Line).

Resident DJ team Tigerblood will keep the music going throughout, featuring tracks from video game inspired hip-hop artist Mega Ran.

You will be able to race against your friends around Mushroom Kingdom in Mario Kart Wii U, or get into the fighting spirit with the new and frantic Super Smash Bros Wii U. Be sure to bring your A game as prizes will be up for grabs...but only if you can beat the mayamada co-founders at the end of the night.

Two lucky people will be drawn at random and face off for the chance to win a selection of mayamada goodies.

For the low tech gamers, Giant Jenga will be making a return at GamePad! Where you’ll be able to battle it out for the title of Jenga King or Queen. Last time I made it to the semi finals, let's see if I can take the crown this time !

Shoppers are welcome too as we'll have our full range of original anime inspired clothing and comics on sale with selected t-shirts and sweatshirts available at promotional prices! Your sweet tooth will be taken care of, because not only will there be amazing cupcakes handed out to early arrivals, our popup shop will also be fully stocked with delicious Samurai Chef chocolate bars.

Available in three flavours - Crunchy Noodle, Cherry Blossom and Green Tea - these bars were a massive hit during their debut at the London Anime & Gaming Convention where they sold out in just two days.

Make sure you get their fast and grab your favourite flavour while you can!

Cosplayers and long time fans of mayamada (including myself) will be delighted to know a free poster will be given with any purchase to anyone in cosplay or already wearing mayamada clothing.

Stay tuned for more event surprises over the next few weeks . Until then, get your free tickets now and be there for an amazing day of games and music! Follow them on facebook!

More more events and news follow me on Facebook and twitter. ~Aisha Anime~

More cats than tourists on a Japanese island

On a mile-long island of Aoshima an army of feral cats were brought there to deal with mice that infested the fishermen's boats, the cats since have stayed and bred.

The cats survive by curling up in abandoned houses or run around fishing village looking for scraps to eat, the felines outnumbering humans six to one on this remote island in southern Japan,

It's estimated that 120 cats swarm the island with only a handful of humans for company, mostly the elderly who didn't leave the island looking for work after World War Two.

Aoshima, is only a 30-minute ferry ride off the coast of Ehime prefecture, is now visited by tourists from the mainland to see the cats. Residents have found the fascination of tourists visiting the cats weird and irritating to their daily lives. They don't mind them coming, but don't want to be disturbed in process. It is now nicknamed Cat Island.

The Island has no restaurants, cars, shops or vending machines - just cats and no one is complaining! Since the popularity of Hello Kitty, a cartoon character considered the epitome of cuteness - Cat cafe's have popped up in Japan and even in the West  where people with no pets could come enjoy their company without bringing them home.

Can't do the pose for you Cosplay? use an iPad instead

The Cosplay and Anime likeness gap has been filled by the technology of tablets. Can't get that super kawaii smile, let's substitute it with the real thing.


Take one cosplay, add a tablet with the right size of your supposed to be face and snap happy !

I found these photos on twitter belonging to Kasyuu which were now retweeted over eleven thousand times to date. She take an awesome cosplay and substitutes her own face for that of the actual anime character resized on her iPad created a great viral photo

Character: Eli Ayase

Series: Love Live 

Find more anime related news on Twitter and Facebook.

~Aisha Anime~

Hyper Devotion Noire: new JRPG from Hyper Dimension Neptunia series!

Hyperdevotion Noire

Idea Factory International is excited to announce today that Hyper devotion Noire™: Goddess Black Heart, the very first strategy RPG in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, will be coming to North America and Europe in early 2015! This is something to make all JRPG enthusiasts happy, especially myself :-)

Console:  PlayStation Vita handheld
Formats: retail and digital formats 

EU Release: 20th Feb 2015

Story

Moe Army

Unlike previous Hyperdimension Neptunia games, HyperdevotionNoire is not set within the world of Gamindustri, but instead within a similar, but separate, world known as “Gamarket”. The CPUs of each of the four nations are locked in heated battle against one another for dominion over this world. Just as Noire is one step away from complete domination, the CPUs are suddenly robbed of their powers by an unknown force. Now in order to save the world from destruction, the four CPUs must unite Gamarketand defeat the onslaught!

Key Features

A Moe Army Awaits! You ain’t never seen the CPUs like this! Lead them in their first-ever foray into strategy RPG gameplay, taking on enemies in a whole new way. You’ll fight off hordes of enemies in turn-based strategy, dodging laser beams and flaming pits, and using dangerous environments against your enemy.Link up with the “Lily System” The more often characters are in battle together, the higher their bond becomes. Activating the “Lily Boost” grants special stats and abilities, while “Lily Points” can be used to activate ultra-special moves and even goddess transformations. Don’t be shy to build up those battle relationships and seal it all with a kiss!

Check your Status!

All kinds of funky things can happen in the heat of battle and characters can be hit with status ailments that are both boon and burden. You can get pixelated, zombie-fied, or even turned into a block of tofu! Some status changes come with their own benefit and cost, so keep this in mind during a fight.

Item Customization!

You’ll get tons of replay value with so many ways to boost your gear’s stats! The more enemies you defeat, the more items you can get to customize your gear in whatever way you see fit. Let the great experiment begin!

Livin’ the Noire Life!

Life’s not all about grid-based battles. Sometimes Noire just wants to relax at home, and with the “SimNoire” mode you’ll be able to do just that! Customize the place by buying furniture and accessories with in-game points, and make Noire feel like the goddess she is. She’ll also get to go out with friends and build up her social level!

More game updates on Facebook and twitter.

~Aisha Anime~

Top Valentine Cards

This post is to show different ideas of messages and photos you can devise to show how you feel about someone, they can be full on or subtle. Personally more cats involved the better :-p Enjoy!

 Let's start with the heart clad, tacky card and Yes it is a cat dressed as cupid! Keeping it cute and funny.

This card is for that cat enthusiasts as only we know the importance of a cat blink.

 Straight up permission the cats have given up to be a couple. Simple, not too gushy but cute.

 For the gaming couple, probably too cute for the male. Maybe you should stick to feeding him a sandwich while he plays more appreciation from that than a card. -----------------------

 Sarcasm might be more your thing so put them in their place. Simple slogan car.

Obvious and amusing good for long term relationships and good friends.

 Another play on words using your favourite anime character - word play is important.

 poems are nice, if you aren't Shakespeare rework an old classic awith your own style.

Or be random. Let's face it everyone digs the cage allover there face.

Otaku Themed Food

So Japan has all these themed cafes but is the fanbase worth the money, let's look at the best looking food and see if the taste and presentation is worth us going.

I personally went to the Gundam cafe and I never saw this... In all my life if I were presented a Gundam ship constructed dinner I would have rated this top. But since this was not available at I will have to query where this photo was taken. Looks a bit plain and possibly cold. Everything at the cafe was priced over 500 yen

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I love my desserts and cats so this doriaki made me squeal with joy with a pertruding kitteh trying to escape her pending doom. This looks yummy and a piece of art. It's hard to enjoy food in a hairy environment though....cats and all.

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This particular moomin dessert is christmas themed and looks lush. The food is as fresh as in this photo and the prices from when I visited Sky tree ranged from 330yen for a moomin art coffee to 1000yen for hot food. The art is done to perfection and you get a fluffy friend to keep you company on the table.

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Loving the simple ketchup drawing of the iconic cat warriors/feylynes from Monster Hunter - especially witht he release of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate soon :D

the omlette itself looks mysterious, wonder if the filling lived up to expectation.

Last but not least a Pikachu curry for the pop up Pokemon X/Y shop in Shibuya, enjoy munch on Pikachu's face as the mascot runs around the cafe. Impressed with the colouring even more so that the shaping of the rice.

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Not ear but an ACTUAL Cat headband

We all know how the staple accessories in each J-Fashion wardrobe includes a animal eared related item. Whether it be the new Axcent wear light up cat-ear headphones, fluffy bunny ears or psycom ears from the anime Chobits. Japanese designer Campanella has gone the next step by creating a cat hairband that will place a life-sized kitty on your head.


Though she does not produce the headband regularly, the outpouring of interest and support she received was phenomenal. She showed it off at Design Festa, an annual expo in Tokyo, Hopefully the positive reaction will encourage her to make more to sell to the public. I know I want one for sure !

more information here:

http://hiyorimimuseum.blog20.fc2.com/

Birthday treats!

So normally people post photos of what they received and brag about everything but over the years the materialistic aspect wears off or maybe just for me.

Here are my top bday moments from past and today -

Memories can survive years on but photos are a nice reminder so you can capture that moment forever in your wallet or whatever. This particular time I took Purikura in LPSC for the first time in years and it was magical. First of all you need the right type of friends with patience for Photo Sticker machines but normal photos can take seconds.

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When the majority of your friends lurk your social network pages and never comment or like but come your birthday they say 'I didn't know what to get you but from Facebook I saw all your destroyed earphones, so I got you some Sonys.' I was chuffed to receive two pairs this year and a pre order for the new Axxent Wear light up cat ear ones that 6 people chipped in for. I think common sense and organisation wins it for this one.

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Cards, i can't explain how much i love receiving a card in the mail or in person. One friend without a doubt always posts me one and this year I thought she forgot as I got a whatsapp message. But in the late mail I got something but when I returned home it was from that person and even included a cute London travel mirror. 

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Art when someone takes time out of their life to personalise something for you -it is the most magical thing ever. Lots of artists out there commission things but when you know people with talent who share it for free you know it's worth more than anything store bought.

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I hate cooking so anything home-made is gold to me. Baking is only an option if I am in the mood and it's for special people in my life. So asking a friend to bring cake the weight of a child was a mission. From Croydon to China Town this American Victoria sponge delight traveled. It got to me at 11pm and I had to go home so without even a long conversation Foolish Overload went home. The deed was noble. I then cut it up the next day for people I was meeting on my birthday and it gave a nice touchy to the evening.